IL Radio: Pat Benton Sets Retirement

Pat Benton

Pat Benton, the long-time radio announcer for Max Media’s WUEZ Magic 95.1 FM, has announced his plans to retire later this year.

According to thesouthern.com, Benton's last show is Dec. 20, ending a 44-year career in the radio business, according to an announcement from River Radio Tuesday morning.

Benton has been a staple of Southern Illinois radio since 1994, when he was hired by River Radio to host the morning show on Z100. He has hosted the "Celebration of Life" weekday morning show on Magic 95.1 since 2000.

“I really don’t have any plans” Benton said. “I have been in radio for 44 years and it’s time. My only hope is that this year’s Pat’s Kids will be a big one.”

Pat’s Kids is a charity fundraiser with the sole purpose of helping children in Southern Illinois have happy Christmases. In 2012 alone, Pat’s Kid’s was able to help over 180 thousand Southern Illinois children, according to River Radio. The charity was developed as Benton worked with The Poshard Foundation for Abused Children.

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